MPA: Why do you love photography?
RH: I have always admired seeing extraordinary images captured of everyday life. Wondering, how was that achieved? And, how can I do that? I have a deep love for my animals, and when one of my dogs was diagnosed with cancer, and only short time left, wanted to make sure I had some images to remember her by. After an unfortunate experience with the photographer I hired, I chose to see what I could do on my own. The instant I picked up my first camera 4 years ago, I was hooked. I researched cameras and lenses. I couldn’t take in the information fast enough to learn how to take the perfect photos of my dogs. From there I spent my hours after work reading and researching like crazy what it takes to create and capture that special moment of any and all animals. How can I paint the picture to share the incredible movement and expressions of these amazing creatures?
With the passion I felt for animals, and wanting to help out in the community I approached my local shelter to help out taking images, and from there my passion only grew stronger. It is through this path that I have found an endless yearning to capture the personalities of people and their pets. Through this journey I have also discovered a deep desire to help with the animals/shelters/rescues in my area through my photography. Hoping that I can show the true wonderful personalities of these beautiful souls, and hoping that it helps them find their forever homes.
MPA: Your favorite thing about MPA?
RH: I have enjoyed learning from David and Alley McKay and Adam Furtado. They have been open books as far as what it takes to be successful in photography. Sharing their secrets of what is important in order to make a living in this industry. Even most importantly how to see the world through my camera and lens, and how can I create special images. They have taken complex information and helped break it down for even someone like myself who isn’t technically capable naturally. That is why I have returned time and time again for workshops and safaris. They make learning enjoyable, and is evident in their own passion with photography.
MPA: Your favorite trip or course with MPA?
RH: One of the most enjoyable experiences was the amazing adventure in Yosemite. I am not comfortable with landscape photography, but Ally and David have such incredible vision and artistry with landscapes that I was able to walk away with some wonderful knowledge that I have carried into my normal portraiture photography. I loved the 3 day business workshop as well. It was packed with lots of great insight to driving my portraiture business, as well as understanding better technically studio and natural light settings. Ally and David are open books with what has made them successful. Very refreshing in this competitive industry.
MPA: Your aspirations as a photographer / artist?
RH: My hope is to continue to grow my portraiture business. My focus is to create unique imagery for owners and their pets. I am continuing to learn and grow with my pet photography with dogs and horses. I have also ventured into the fashion side of photography and having fun with creating conceptual shoots in order to have fun with a more artistic vision. Somehow I would love to bring these two worlds together of conceptual and pet photography and take my work to the next level.
MPA: Any info you want to share about yourself and work?
RH:
I can only hope to continue to learn and grow. Photography is ever changing and as I am still so new to it all hope that I can hope to provide a positive experience for those have interested me to capture those special moments.
You can find out more about me and my work at https://www.facebook.com/RobinHagyPhotography
